Dearest GLA Students:
Our first week was full of new learning and sight-seeing. We learned about the work we’d be doing for the next three weeks: brick building and teaching. The first few days were rough, but by the end even Frank was complimenting you! Your time and effort contributed to the 50 bags of cement that needed to be mixed and turned into bricks for one classroom. You were also able to try your hand at teaching students at Anloga Basic School- even learning who the class prefects were and using them to help keep the flow of your session. You taught everything from how to use a keyboard to volume measurements to English adverbs to letter-writing to songs and games. You were creative with your lesson planning, especially when you didn’t have the resources and materials to teach readily available. Many of you walked away with a new appreciation for your teachers!
During each and every cultural activity, you picked up a nugget of knowledge about the local culture. You learned about the Ewe language and used it to interact with kids both at home base and at the school. During our island tour you learned about the vast and complex workings of traditionalism from the priest. Oh and you also saw such cute goats! At Father’s House you played with the children who were given a second chance at having a brighter future. You learned about the greater slave trade that affects not only the children of fishing communities in Anloga, but children from all areas of the world. Seyrum spoke to you about being a girl-child in Ghana; although strides are being made, we still have a long way to go and a lot of work ahead of use to create a society that is equitable. At Kekeli Ghana Foundation, we learned that we must have more than sound policies in order to fully support those most vulnerable in our society. Let us not forget all the cloth we came across at the markets, during batiking and with the master kente weaver! We hope you are still enjoying the items that were made with you by the seamstresses and tailors!
You all proved yourselves to be adventurous souls as you hiked up to the Wli Waterfall, the highest in Western Africa. The walk was well worth it as we were met with such an incredible sight. We also experienced the river tour in which we saw where the lagoon and the ocean met. It was a tranquil and beautiful afternoon. We hope that you continue to find and create these spaces of tranquility for yourself back home.
Thank you all for creating such an incredible three weeks! We hope that you have continued to expand and redefine your visions. We know that these 3 weeks gave you a lot of food for thought, challenged your understanding, and helped you grow in many different ways. Never cease to question the world around you and always carry with you your idealism, courage, and determination.
Our Favorite Moments:
-Playing soccer with the neighborhood kids at home base.
-Playing volleyball with the high school students.
-The beautiful cat birthday card for Stephen and pouring water on him.
-Amazing ice cream bars at Ho.
-Your discovery and infatuation with the orange Fanta.
-Our spread out (running across the sand) game of the wind blows.
-This proverb that Stephen shared with us: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
Always remember to have your WITS (+M) about you! : )
Stephen
Seyrum
Baffour
Cristina
Yensi
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